Hi all, hoping to get some assistance with a purchasing decision. I'm very close to pulling the trigger on a 2016 RDX w/ Advance package, but for similar money, it looks like I can get a 2016 MDX (base or possibly tech). Would this be a smart move? Fuel economy seems similar, and the vehicle would better support my growing family, but I have concerns about the ZF 9-speed, and that I'd likely be taking another step down in the "fun-to-drive" department (I would be trading in a 2013 TL SH-AWD). Keep in mind I haven't even driven an MDX yet and the dealer just brought in a specific RDX that I was interested in from halfway across the country, so they may not be too excited about me changing my mind at this point. This will likely be the road-trip car for my wife, two kids (both under 2), and dog (lab mix)... We already have a 2017 CR-V, but given the oil dilution issues we've experienced, I'm looking for something more reliable for long distance drives until Honda steps up with a fix. I test drove a Pilot a while back, but it felt like driving a boat compared to our CR-V. This will also be my commuter car for a 30 minute drive to work each day. I've been trying to make a decision for a while, and the wife says it's time Oh, forgot to mention, I'd love to have a low-mileage 2015 MDX instead of a 2016, but those seem to be pretty rare around here!

 

There are complaints about the 9 speed. At 5600 miles I have no complaints. There is some software updates for early 9 speeds that take care of most of the early issues. Both are nice cars, so you really need to determine which woild work for you best.

 

A bit of perspective for you. I am also thinking of a '16 mdx as my TL is getting difficult for me to get in and out of. Spouse has a '13 RDX and we love it. Tried and proven engine and transmission. Its AWD w tech package. In some respects, I think it may be considered a bit boring but reliability and safety are two of our top concerns. Right now, still not comfortable with the ZF transmission on the MDX and trying to learn if the various TSBs addressed the issues. If not, I may just get another RDX. Wanted a bit more room but not at the expense of additional headaches.

 

 

I bought one recently, no issues they was ATF warmer recall and dealer fixed it.

for 2016 you should be around 30-50k miles the drive train has 70k/7yr warranty,

 

Just a note that in some instances, the ATF warmer replacement was defective and required replacing the entire engine, transmission and assorted hoses. Probably a $12k job, covered under warranty but a pain. Its listed in the TSB sections and when I clicked on the TSB this am, I though the servers were running slow because it took a while but in reality, it was a 79 page document. Now my concern is if there is TSB work done on a car, will it show up on CarFax or do they try to hide it.

 

Every single time your car gets any work done on it it is entered into CarFax. Dealership oil change, CarFax. Repairs done, CarFax. Its not a big deal unless your trying to hide something. My 2018 has been into the dealership twice so far for TSBs. Its the last thing I worry about.

 

How do you know that every time the car goes to a dealer the service performed on it is entered into CarFax?

 

Last summer I had to fix bad CarFax information. When I got the full CarFax report it showed every time the truck was in a shop. This included an independent shop that did a readiator and transmission service. If your not sure pay for a
CarFax report once.

 

Speaking of with, the MDX I was looking has 2 car accidents, Autofax had 1 while CarFax had 2, made me realize Carfax has value! The same MDX had ATF warmer replaced but neither captured it.

 

Carfax or any of the auto data services are dependent on a variety of things. Often times they are accurate but not always. Just because data is inputed to these services does not make it true. As always, caveat emptor.

 

Good point made here. These services can't catch it all and even if it is listed, it may not be accurate or complete.

https://www.edmunds.com/car-buying/w...t-for-you.html